Overview

We visited for the Autumn Steam Gala, starting and finishing our day at Burrs Country Park. We visited the following stations: Rawstenstall, Ramsbottom, Summerseat, Bury and Burrs. We didn't make it to Heywood this time and didn't get off at Irwell Vale as the platform is narrow.

Transport & Parking

At Burrs Country Park, getting to the platform is made difficult by a large cobbled area at the bottom of the ramps. It wasn't impossible but it was challenging. Once onto the ramps, it is mostly good quality tarmac, though a little uneven in places.

Access

On most trains, there was a ramp and wheelchairs users travel in the guard's van. On some trains, the guard's van also has seating for companions, but not all. One of the trains had no ramp and access was very difficult, but this was a visiting train for the gala. Rawtenstall station was excellent for access and getting in and out was really easy. Ramsbottom station was okay but to cross the tracks, you have to go down a ramp and over the actual railway lines. I was fine with this but some may find the gaps between the rail and the boardwalk a little unnerving. Summerseat station is beautiful but the only way out is via a dirt track and it was very wet and muddy. We weren't able to leave the station and ended up just sitting for an hour waiting for the next train. Bury station is okay but very busy and noisy. Again, you have to cross the tracks via a ramp and that involves waiting until no trains are due. Getting out of the station and to the Transport Museum, the accessible route is steep and uneven. I struggled to manage independently.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets at Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bury. Some are better than others. One of toilets at Bury had bins blocking the grab rails (see photo).

Staff

Most of the staff were fantastic! They were helpful, informative, great to chat to and full of stories. There were a couple that we found a little rude. One singled me out of several people taking photos and videos because she felt that I wasn't safe to be on the platform. Also one of the guards that escorted us across the line at Bury didn't seem to know what he was doing and wanted me to go backwards, which wouldn't have been safe. However, it is worth remembering that they are all volunteers and they do worry about safety.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Although accessibility wasn't perfect, we had a thoroughly fantastic day out and were able to do most of the things we'd hoped to.

Photos